The Draft: T-Minus 2 Days

With just over 48 hours remaining before the 2010 NBA Draft, there is excitement, trepidation and speculation over what the Memphis Grizzlies will do and how those decisions will affect both the 2010-2011 roster and the 2010-2011 payroll.

First, some draft analysis. The Commercial Appeal's Ron Tillery reported this morning that OJ Mayo was never included in trade talks with the New Orleans Hornets regarding a Chris Paul trade. Owner Michael Heisley called the accusations "unequivocally not true." Furthermore, he stated that he did approach the Hornets about dealing for Paul, but that he is not trying to deal any of the team's starting 5 (Conley, Mayo, Gay, Randolph, Gasol).

Tillery stated that the Grizzlies are putting forth an "exhaustive effort" to deal all of their first round picks. Whether or not those efforts come to fruition remains to be seen. However, I believe that the Grizzlies will keep the 12th pick and use the 25th and 28th picks to trade for a bench player (the list of possible players there is too long to list). There are also rumors that Heisley, Wallace and company are interested in trading up in the draft to grab Syracuse's Wes Johnson. The 6'7" swingman is expected to be taken either 4th (by Minnesota) or 5th (by Sacramento) overall.

Another wrinkle in the Grizzlies' draft preparation comes with the announcement that Fresno State small forward will participate in a workout for the Grizzlies. He snubbed the team in a workout earlier this month, frustrated that, if picked by the Grizzlies, he would be a backup to Rudy Gay. The Grizzlies will be evaluating him at shooting guard in this last-minute workout. Many prognosticators have George selected between the 10th and 15th picks.

Stay tuned to GrizzLife for last-minute draft analysis and team news. Tomorrow, we will provide you with the first annual GrizzLife Mock Draft and on Thursday, look for an analysis of the 2010-2011 payroll and how it will affect our draft and offseason moves. Of course, on Friday, GrizzLife will be your home for a draft recap and an analysis of the Grizzlies' selection(s).

Go Grizz!
Owen